Welcome!

The Public Service Department (PSD) is an agency within the executive branch of Vermont state government, and is charged with representing the public interest in energy, telecommunications, water and wastewater utility matters.

The mission of the PSD is to serve all citizens of Vermont through public advocacy, planning, programs, and other actions that Chris Recchia Photomeet the public's need for least cost, environmentally sound, efficient, reliable, secure, sustainable, and safe energy, telecommunications, and regulated utility systems in the state for the short and long term.

We work to advance Vermonter’s quality of life, economy and security through implementation of our statewide energy and telecommunications goals,  using sound statewide energy and telecommunications planning, strong public advocacy of the public good, and through strong consumer protection advocacy for individuals. 

For more information about the PSD, please visit our About Us page.

Christopher Recchia, Commissioner
     

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Announcements:

 

High Cost Study - VUSF Audit Report

As directed by Act 169, as it added subsection 30 V.S.A. § 7515(b)(8), the PSD released the VUSF Audit Report portion of its High Cost Study, titled QSI VUSF Audit Report: Assessment of the Vermont Universal Service Fund, on May 3, 2013.  The Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Board, contracted the firm QSI Consulting, Inc. (“QSI”) to conduct the audit and prepare a report on the Vermont Universal Service Fund ("VUSF").  QSI's audit report details the management audit performed by QSI to: (1) analyze the Fiscal Agent's administration practices; (2) examine telecommunications service provider practices of collecting VUSF surcharges from their retail telecommunications customers; (3) test the accuracy of VUSF surcharge remittances made by telecommunications service providers to the Fiscal Agent and the Fiscal Agent's accounting of those remittances; and (4) review the Fiscal Agent's practices and procedures involving the disbursement of VUSF monies to the authorized programs funded by the VUSF.

High Cost Study - FCC Impact Report

As directed by Act 169, as it amends 30 V.S.A. § 7515(b)(6), the PSD released the FCC Impact Report portion of its High Cost Study, titled Revenue Effects of FCC Reforms to Intercarrier Compensation and Federal Universal Service Mechanisms, on February 19, 2013.  The Department, in conjunction with the Public Service Board (“Board”), contracted the consulting firm Rolka Loube Saltzer Associates (“RLSA”) to conduct this FCC impact study as the first of a three part study into whether high cost services should be supported through the Vermont Universal Service Fund (“VUSF”).  This report concludes that while FCC actions will have an impact on ILEC revenues, until the regulated and non-regulated revenues are studied in further reports, due to be submitted to the legislature in March and April, respectively, the Department cannot make a recommendation regarding the activation of high cost voice support at this time.

Prepaid Wireless VUSF Report

As directed by Act 169, Section 4, the PSD released its prepaid wireless VUSF report, titled Analysis and Recommendations Regarding the Application of the State's Universal Service Charge to Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Services, on February 7, 2013.  To develop the report, the PSD, in consultation with the Department of Taxes, convened a working group to consider how and whether to implement VUSF charges for prepaid wireless services.  Included in the report are two alternatives for draft legislation.

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